"When a new album is available digitally before it is available physically, it impacts demand and sales projections," said Target spokesperson Erica Julkowski. "While there are many aspects that contribute to our approach and we have appreciated partnering with Beyoncé in the past, we are primarily focused on offering CDs that will be available in a physical format at the same time as all other formats."

An exclusive edition of Beyoncé's last album 4 was made available via Target in 2011. Most physical retailers will have copies of the new album by December 20.